Historic College Football Matchup at Wembley Stadium: Kansas vs. Arizona State in the 2026 Union Jack Classic
In a groundbreaking development for college football, the Big 12 Conference has announced that the Kansas Jayhawks will face the Arizona State Sun Devils in the inaugural Union Jack Classic at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium on Saturday, September 19, 2026. This event marks the first-ever college football game to be played at Wembley, a venue renowned for hosting major international sports events.
The Union Jack Classic: A New Era for College Football
The Union Jack Classic is set to be an annual series of NCAA Division I FBS games held in London, aiming to expand the global reach of college football. The 2026 game will serve as the conference opener for both teams and is scheduled in Week 3 of the college football season. Kansas, designated as the home team, will host Arizona State in this historic matchup. The game is expected to draw over 80,000 fans from both the U.S. and the U.K., reflecting the growing international interest in American college football. (TalkSport)
Big 12’s Global Expansion Strategy
Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark has emphasized the conference’s commitment to becoming the most globally relevant entity in college athletics. He views the Union Jack Classic as a significant step toward elevating the Big 12’s brand, creating new opportunities for student-athletes, and fostering commercial growth. This initiative follows the success of previous international games, such as the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland, which featured Big 12 teams Iowa State and Kansas State. (big12sports.com)
Kansas Jayhawks: A Historic Opportunity
For the Kansas Jayhawks, this game represents a milestone in the program’s history. Athletic Director Travis Goff expressed pride in the opportunity to showcase Kansas football on a global stage. He highlighted the significance of the event as a reflection of the program’s growth and the university’s commitment to providing student-athletes with unique experiences. (University of Kansas)
Head Coach Lance Leipold echoed these sentiments, describing the game as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the team. He expressed excitement about participating in college football’s international expansion and the chance to represent Kansas on such a prominent platform. (University of Kansas)
\\ Arizona State Sun Devils: Embracing the Global Stage
The Arizona State Sun Devils are also poised to make history with their participation in the Union Jack Classic. Athletic Director Graham Rossini emphasized the importance of the event in expanding the program’s global presence. He noted the significance of playing in London, a city with a rich sports culture, and the opportunity to engage with international fans. (Cronkite News)
The Sun Devils’ roster features standout players, including quarterback Sam Leavitt, who is expected to be a high NFL draft pick when he chooses to turn professional. (Sky Sports)
Ticket Information and Fan Experience
Tickets for the Union Jack Classic are anticipated to be in high demand, given the historic nature of the event and the expected turnout. Fans from both the U.S. and the U.K. are expected to travel to London to witness the game, contributing to a vibrant international atmosphere. Details regarding ticket sales and fan engagement activities will be announced in the coming months.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Union Jack Classic
The Union Jack Classic is part of a broader strategy to establish a recurring college football presence in London. Organizers aim to build upon the success of the inaugural game and expand the series in the coming years. The event is expected to serve as a model for future international college football games, fostering greater global engagement with the sport. (Wikipedia)
Case Study: The Union Jack Classic – Kansas Jayhawks vs. Arizona State Sun Devils
Event: Big 12 College Football Game at Wembley Stadium
Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026
Teams: Kansas Jayhawks (home team) vs. Arizona State Sun Devils
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London, UK
Expected Attendance: 80,000+
Source: Talksport
Background
The Big 12 Conference has increasingly focused on expanding the reach of its programs internationally. The Wembley matchup, dubbed the Union Jack Classic, represents the first Big 12 college football game in London. This builds on previous international experiences like the Aer Lingus College Football Classic in Dublin, Ireland, which helped U.S. college teams gauge international fan interest.
Objective:
- Expand the Big 12’s brand globally.
- Provide players with a unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience.
- Foster international engagement with American football.
Commentary:
Commissioner Brett Yormark emphasized, “This event is about more than a single game; it is the start of a global presence for the Big 12. Our student-athletes get to showcase their talent on the world stage, while fans experience college football in an entirely new environment.”
Case Study 1: Kansas Jayhawks’ Perspective
Institutional Significance:
Kansas Athletic Director Travis Goff described the event as a milestone for the program. It’s an opportunity to showcase the team to an international audience and attract global attention for the university.
Coaching Perspective:
Head Coach Lance Leipold noted the game provides players with exposure beyond the U.S., helping with recruitment and giving athletes a “once-in-a-lifetime experience.”
Example Impact:
Historically, teams that participate in international games see boosts in merchandise sales, social media engagement, and international fanbase development.
Commentary:
“The experience of playing in a historic venue like Wembley will motivate our players,” Leipold said. “It also positions Kansas football as a program willing to innovate and think globally.”
Case Study 2: Arizona State Sun Devils’ Perspective
Institutional Significance:
Athletic Director Graham Rossini highlighted how this game increases Arizona State’s visibility in Europe and internationally.
Player Spotlight:
Quarterback Sam Leavitt, a projected NFL prospect, benefits from exposure to international scouts and media. Playing at Wembley is also a resume highlight for future professional careers.
Example Impact:
Arizona State’s participation signals the program’s commitment to global engagement, potentially attracting international recruits and sponsors.
Commentary:
Rossini stated, “Our student-athletes are ambassadors of the university and the sport. The Wembley game demonstrates our forward-thinking approach to college football.”
Operational and Logistical Case Study
Venue Selection: Wembley Stadium, iconic for hosting Premier League finals, NFL London Games, and other international events.
Ticketing and Fan Engagement:
- Tickets are expected to sell out quickly, with a capacity of 90,000.
- Special fan events and cultural activities planned around London to enhance international engagement.
Commentary:
The operational success of this game will set the template for future Big 12 international games, including fan experience, media coverage, and logistical coordination.
Strategic Implications
For Big 12 Conference:
- Enhances brand recognition in Europe and globally.
- Opens opportunities for media rights deals, merchandising, and sponsorships.
For Participating Schools:
- Provides unique recruiting tools.
- Elevates program prestige.
- Offers players international exposure, aiding professional opportunities.
Example:
Similar strategies have been used by NFL London Games, where teams report increased international fan engagement and higher merchandise sales.
Commentary:
“This is an investment in the future of college football,” said Commissioner Yormark. “We aim to make the Union Jack Classic an annual tradition, similar to what the NFL has accomplished in London.”
Conclusion
The Union Jack Classic at Wembley represents a landmark moment in college football history: the globalization of the sport, innovative fan engagement, and unique opportunities for athletes and institutions. Both Kansas and Arizona State benefit from exposure, while the Big 12 strengthens its international profile.
Key Takeaways:
- Strategic Expansion: Big 12 positioning itself on a global stage.
- Player Experience: Unique exposure and development opportunities.
- Operational Model: Wembley as a high-capacity, internationally recognized venue ensures successful execution.
- Future Outlook: Sets precedent for recurring international college football events.